Robby Hoffman comedy special Wake Up release date: December 14, 2025 on Netflix, directed by John Mulaney.
Comedian Robby Hoffman, the breakout queer ex-Hasidic star whose bulldozing stand-up has drawn comparisons to Larry David and Andrew Dice Clay, is set to make her Netflix debut with the hour-long special “Wake Up.” Directed by fellow comic John Mulaney, the special arrives globally on Netflix on December 14, 2025, capping a banner year for Hoffman that includes an Emmy nomination and high-profile TV roles. Filmed live at The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever in Los Angeles on October 21, 2025, “Wake Up” promises Hoffman’s signature blend of raw intensity and relatable chaos, arriving just as her personal life hits new highs with her marriage to Gabby Windey.
In a streaming landscape hungry for fresh voices in 2025, Hoffman’s special stands out as a testament to the power of unfiltered comedy, bridging generations through stories of family, identity, and absurdity that feel both timeless and urgently now.
What to Expect from “Wake Up”: Themes and Style
While Netflix has kept specific set details under wraps, early buzz suggests “Wake Up” dives into Hoffman’s life with her nine siblings, her McDonald’s days, and her marriage to Windey—delivered in the comedian’s high-octane, no-holds-barred style that The New York Times has hailed as “addictive” and stage-commanding like James Brown. The special opens with Hoffman rolling up in a Porsche, setting a tone of confident swagger mixed with self-deprecating wit. Mulaney, in a statement to Deadline, raved: “Robby Hoffman makes me laugh until I’m delirious. No one has owned a stage like her since James Brown. I’m extremely proud to be part of her Netflix debut, but moreover extremely lucky that I got to spend so much time with this brilliant lunatic.” [](grok_render_citation_card_json={“cardIds”:[“0ebba8”]}) For comedy fans eager for the drop, a practical tip: queue up her previous specials like “I’m Nervous” on Crave or her Netflix “Verified Stand-Up” set beforehand—start with the latter to get a taste of her live energy, priming you for the full-hour immersion without spoilers.
Behind the Scenes: John Mulaney’s Direction and Production
Mulaney’s involvement adds prestige to Hoffman’s debut hour, marking another collaboration in the comic’s orbit of bold talents. Taped at the historic Hollywood Forever venue, the production captures Hoffman’s commanding presence in a space known for its intimate yet electric vibe. Hoffman’s trajectory—from writing on PBS’s “Odd Squad” (earning a 2019 Daytime Emmy) to guest spots on “Workin’ Moms” and “Baroness von Sketch Show”—has built to this moment, where her direct, intense delivery shines unedited. The special’s timing aligns with her podcast “Too Far,” praised by The New York Times as an “addictive listen,” and her developing HBO series “Unentitled,” where she’ll write, produce, and star. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={“cardIds”:[“6d8885”]}) In 2025’s comedy boom, where stand-up specials are the new sitcom pilots, Mulaney’s touch ensures polish without diluting Hoffman’s edge. For aspiring directors or performers eyeing specials, a practical tip: scout venues with natural acoustics like Masonic Lodge—test run a 10-minute set there via open mics to gauge crowd flow, then layer in subtle camera angles for that cinematic intimacy Mulaney nails.
Hoffman’s Rise: From “Hacks” Emmy Nod to Netflix Spotlight
Hoffman, a Brooklyn native who left her Hasidic roots for comedy, exploded onto screens in season four of HBO’s “Hacks,” earning a 2025 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series alongside Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Her role in FX’s “Dying for Sex” opposite Michelle Williams further showcased her dramatic chops, but stand-up remains her core. Married to Windey since earlier this year, Hoffman recently opened up on podcasts about their child-free life and mutual support for her touring schedule, adding layers of authenticity to her material. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={“cardIds”:[“be453f”]}) With “Wake Up,” she’s not just releasing a special—she’s cementing her spot among comedy’s next guard, following in the footsteps of peers like Hannah Berner and Sam Tallent. The December 14 drop coincides with holiday binge season, positioning it for viral clips and watercooler buzz. For new comedy enthusiasts building watchlists, a practical tip: cross-reference specials with pod episodes—pair “Wake Up” with a “Too Far” listen post-release to unpack her influences, starting with episodes featuring guests like Mulaney for insider anecdotes that enrich the laughs.
As Netflix’s algorithm tees up “Wake Up” for global audiences, Robby Hoffman’s unapologetic voice is poised to wake up more than just viewers—it’s a call to own the stage of life with the same fearless gusto. What’s your must-watch comedy special this holiday season, or how does Hoffman compare to your faves? Drop your predictions in the comments below, and set those Netflix reminders for December 14—it’s going to be a riot.